Shelby, a documentary and street photographer, originally from Australia, and now based in Bristol, UK, is a passionate artist who discovered the magic of photography at just 9 years old when she received her first camera, a Kodak Disc camera, which sparked her lifelong fascination with capturing memories.

Throughout her journey, Shelby has continuously pursued opportunities to study and expand her knowledge of photography and photographic practices. She gained a BA(Hons) in Documentary Photography from the University of Wales College, Newport and during her time there she delved into themes of lost childhood, loneliness, and the concept of the family. In her final year, she was awarded 4th in the Ian Parry Award 2004 for her series “Baby Doll” which explored the world of beauty pageants in America. One of her images from this series was also featured in The Telegraph’s Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition in 2004. 

After taking a break to raise her children as a lone parent, Shelby has returned to photography with renewed passion. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of the West of England. In her photographic practice, Shelby consistently explores themes of gender roles, identity, and the concept of belonging.

With a keen eye for storytelling and a dedication to capturing the essence of her subjects, Shelby’s work invites viewers to reflect on questions about perceived societal norms. Through her lens, she explores the transient nature of gender and the search for personal identity, both internally and externally. 

Shelby’s artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to photography and her exploration of profound and thought-provoking themes. Her work continues to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the intricacies of the human condition.

"A thing that you see in my pictures, is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people"
Annie Leibowitz

exhibitions:

*Penthouse, Tobacco Factory, Bristol, 2023 (group)

*'What w' like', The Kube Gallery, virtual exhibition, 2021 (group) - https://thekubegallery.com/wwl 

*RPS Hundred Heroines, Representation on the Line: (Un)Framing our Identities iii, Hive, Blackpool, 2019 (group)

*Martin Parr and Matt Stuart, Carnival Pop Up, Arnolfini, Bristol, 2019 (group)

*RPS Hundred Heroines, Representation on the Line: (Un)Framing our Identities ii, The RPS Heroines Hub, London, SW3, 2019 (group)

*Photography on a Postcard, The PrintSpace, Kingsland Road, London, 2017 (group)   

*The Locals, Acapella cafe and pizzeria, Totterdown, Bristol, 2014 (solo)

*The Kiss, Acapella cafe and pizzeria, Totterdown, Bristol, 2013 (solo)

*100 years of photography at Newport, The Wall Gallery, Newport, 2012 (group)

*Telegraph Travel Photographer of the Year, Olympia, London, 2005  
(group)

* Sunday Times Ian Parry Award, Tom Blau Gallery, London 2004 
(group)

* Piccolo Tour Al Giardino dei Semplici, Florence, Italy 2004 (group)

* Free Range Degree Show, Hanbury Gallery, London 2004 (group)

* Newport Degree Show, Newport 2004 (group)

* HNC Show, Filton College, Bristol 2001 (group)

* Does Your Mother Know?, Architecture Centre, Bristol 2000 (solo)

qualifications:

* BA(hons) Documentary Photography, University of Wales, Newport  
2004
* HNC Applied Arts (Photography), Filton College, Bristol 2001


experience:
Studied with Martino Marangoni at Studio Marangoni, Florence 2004

Finalist Ian Parry Award 2004


publications:


September 2021
X-posure.net The Magazine for Photographers

July 2021
Outerfocus Podcast with Ian Weldon
Spectaculum Magazine  One night with Elvis

January 2020
"The new kings and queens of England"  Bristol365.com

November 2019 
 "Finding the humanity"  Interview with Hannah Rooke for Wex Photo and Video 

September 2018
  More than 35,000 Elvis impersonators descend on Porthcawl 



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